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Ownership of Belfast City airport changes hands

The ownership of George Best Belfast City airport has changed hands in a deal for an undisclosed sum.

Owner Eiser Finance is selling the airport, used by around 2.6 million passengers a year, along with other UK assets, to private equity firm 3i.

No price has been disclosed, but the airport was valued in the region of £100 million.

The airport has not commented on the sale, which is expected to be completed early next year.

The airport last changed hands in 2008 for £132.5 million, when it was sold by Spanish construction firm Ferrovial.Its operating profit in 2015 increased to £3.3 million.

The airport’s managers are believed to want the new owners to invest in facilities, improving the likes of car parking, the BBC reported.

British Airways, Flybe, Aer Lingus, Links Air and City Wing run regular services from the airport.

The airport is awaiting a planning decision on whether a two million cap on the number of departure seats that are allowed be offered can be removed.

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